Key developments in AKA murder case: Ndimande brothers extradited from eSwatini

A Tuesday morning flight from eSwatini, the brothers Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande made an appearance at the Durban Magistrates Court in the afternoon after being extradited from the monarchy.

It was their first court appearance on South Africa soil for their alleged roles in the February 2023 murder of Kiernan 'AKA' Forbes and his close friend Tebello 'Tibz' Motsoane outside a restaurant on Durban's Florida Road.

The siblings were represented by attorney Sibusiso Dlamini and advocate Cyril Mlotshwa, while senior state prosecutor Lawrence Gcaba was the State's reprsentative, in a matter presided over by magistrate Irfaan Khalil.

Also in attendance was KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Gcaba informed the court that South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) were on-hand to ensure that brothers rights were not violated in securing their court attendance. 

"This is to ensure observance, respect, and protection of the respondents' human rights," said Gcaba.

Mlotshwa's concern was around gaining access to his clients to prepare their defence.

Magistrate Khalil stressed that the accused were constitutionally entitled to consult with their legal representatives, adding that security protocols would not interfere with that right, before adjourning  the matter to November 25.

Away from proceedings, Mkhwanazi revealed that a key figure believed to have coordinated the assassinations had already been identified.

"That person paid the entire group after the job," Mkhwanazi said. "But he used his bank account to transfer money. That's a business account that he used. We are investigating further," said Mkhwanazi.

DAILY NEWS